Changes in bylaws results in fewer SSSNA meetings

A board election and an update on the prior Sunday's StepTrek 2010 were the highlights of the annual meeting of the South Sides Slopes Neighborhood Association on Oct. 12.

The meeting began with president Brad Palmisiano informing attendees of upcoming Slopes events.

Besides an Oct. 16 cleanup, there will be trail building on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Side Park. Volunteers should meet at Bandi Schaum Field off Mission St.

On Oct. 28, the Brashear Association will celebrate its 93rd year of service during its annual awards luncheon, "Bravo, Brashear! ," at the Le Mont Restaurant.

In the board elections, the slate of six candidates was elected to two-year terms: Mr. Palmisiano, Paul Lorincy, Denise Fillip, Misi Bielich, Sarah Alessio, and Maggie Buck.

The latter two names are newcomers to the board.

The board will have a new president next month. Mr. Palmisiano said he held the post for the past five years, and thinks a new president will be good for the organization.

Next, Rev. Don Ware discussed changes to the SSSNA bylaws, to be voted on that evening.

The major changes are membership and the number of general meetings.

Regarding membership, the current bylaws define two classes of members: a voting member, age 18 or over, with full voting rights (pays dues); and a supporting member with no voting rights.

The proposed change states that "all residents of South Side Slopes are members of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association." Voting members are those members age 18 and over who attended at least two general meetings in the past year.

Mr. Palmisiano said postcards would be mailed to all Slopes residents informing them of an upcoming meeting. There will also be an E-Blast.

While there will be no dues, donations are accepted.

Regarding meetings, the current bylaws require a minimum of nine monthly meetings.

The proposal calls for a minimum of five general meetings, with two being the annual holiday party and a summer party.

Other changes include changing the fiscal year from the first of July through June, as done currently, to January through December; and allowing the board president or meeting chair at meetings to waive Robert's Rules of Order.

At the end, attendees were asked to raise their hands if they supported the changes. No one was opposed.

Next, Bev Boggio, organizer of the StepTrek events, reported that StepTrek 2010, the tenth annual self-guided walking tour of the Slopes held on Oct. 10, drew 472 pre-registrants and 277 walk-ups. (Volunteers and children were not counted in the tally.)